Fixing the Grid-Data Center Disconnect with Tony Wagler and Alex Oort Alonso (00:32:40)
In this episode, James talks with Tony and Alex from the Paces team about their recent white paper exploring the mismatch between data center growth projections and actual grid planning. Tony, a seasoned power developer, and Alex, a researcher focused on data center flexibility, dive into how speculative load growth is driving transmission investments that may never serve real projects. They discuss how Paces analyzed over 14 million Texas land parcels to identify where data centers could fea...
From Wall Street to Clean Energy: Investing in the AI-Powered Power Grid with Shanu Mathew (00:43:34)
In this episode, James talks with Shanu Mathew, Senior Vice President at Lazard, where he co-leads a U.S. sustainable equity strategy. With a background in traditional finance and a passion for climate and sustainability, Shanu blends data-driven investing with macro-level insight into energy and technology transitions. They explore how Shanu’s career evolved from M&A banking to managing portfolios at the intersection of sustainability, power, and AI. The conversation ranges from the tran...
Building Clean Data Center Infrastructure with Gabe Messercola (00:34:13)
In this episode, James talks with Gabe Messercola, Director of Data Center Solutions at EDF. Gabe shares his journey from studying environmental policy and working as a rock climbing instructor to building renewable energy projects at Nexamp and leading innovative data center strategies at EDF. With deep experience in asset management and power markets, Gabe now focuses on aligning renewable generation with high-demand loads like data centers and flexible industrial users. They discuss the ev...
Master Planning the Energy Future with Nat Sahlstrom (00:37:37)
In this episode, James talks with Nat Sahlstrom, Chief Energy Officer at Tract, a data center developer enabling the next generation of digital infrastructure. Nat shares his unconventional journey from Seattle’s punk rock scene to leading energy strategy at Amazon and now Tract. With over two decades in energy, he brings deep insight into the intersection of data center growth, power planning, and sustainable infrastructure. They explore the critical challenges and opportunities facing the e...
Building Community Trust in Clean Energy with Hilary Clark (00:32:41)
In this episode, James talks with Hilary Clark, Senior Director of Social Licensing at the American Clean Power Association (ACP). With over two decades in permitting and regulatory affairs, Hilary brings deep expertise on how clean energy developers can effectively engage communities and navigate the complex siting landscape in the U.S. They discuss the evolving challenges in local and state-level permitting for wind, solar, and battery projects. Hilary explains the rise of moratoria and ban...
Orchestrating Power for Data Centers with Brian Janous of Cloverleaf (00:33:17)
In this episode, James talks with Brian Janous, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Cloverleaf Infrastructure and former Head of Energy at Microsoft. With 25+ years in the utility space — including a decade leading Microsoft’s cloud energy strategy — Brian shares what it was like to scale power procurement during the hyperscale boom and why he founded Cloverleaf to solve the next frontier: grid-aligned power delivery for data centers. They explore the transition from fiber-first to pow...
Real-Time Clean Energy Insights (00:34:05)
In this episode, James talks with Michael Thomas, Founder of CleanView and creator of Distilled. Michael has built a career around impactful storytelling and actionable data, aiming to accelerate clean energy adoption. From tech marketing to climate entrepreneurship, he has channeled his curiosity into initiatives that demystify energy trends and empower decision-makers. They discuss the evolution and impact of CleanView, a real-time platform offering unmatched visibility into clean energy pr...
Inside the Rapid Rise of Data Centers with Pat Lynch (00:35:49)
In this episode, James talks with Pat Lynch, Executive Managing Director and Global Head of Data Center Solutions at CBRE. With 30+ years in digital infrastructure, Pat shares his journey from early fiber builds in the 90s to leading CBRE’s global data center strategy. They discuss how CBRE’s data center business scaled from 3% to 10% of company revenue through strategic talent and investment, and how today's growth is shaped by shifting from “bringing power to the site” to “bringing the site...
Al and Early De-Risking: The Future of Solar Development (00:37:08)
In this episode, James sits down with Paces colleagues Kyle Baranko and Tony Wagler to discuss their new white paper, “Pre-Development at Scale: Modeling Risk in Early-Stage Solar Development”. They dive into how AI, probabilistic methods, and standardized development workflows can dramatically reduce soft costs and increase project success rates. Kyle shares how Monte Carlo simulations were used to model development risks and timelines, while Tony outlines the four key archetypes—environment...
Investing in Early-Stage Energy Developers with Christine Larson (00:32:24)
In this episode, we sit down with Christine Larson, Head of Strategy & Operations at Modern Energy and interim COO at Industrial Sun, to explore how early-stage developers can thrive in a landscape defined by high complexity, capital intensity, and shifting market signals. Christine shares how Modern’s model goes beyond funding—providing hands-on operational support like IT and accounting—so founders can focus on what really matters: building and scaling transformative energy projects. We...
The AI Power Puzzle: Grid Flexibility vs. Off Grid Microgrids (00:44:07)
The power demands of AI data centers are skyrocketing—but how will we meet them? In this episode, James sits down with Tyler Norris (Duke University) and Kyle Baranko (Paces) to dig into two influential white papers offering different solutions. One explores off-grid, solar-plus-storage microgrids as a fast, clean option. The other highlights how we can better utilize existing grid capacity by embracing flexible interconnections and load curtailment. Together, they explore: The case for behin...
Beyond the Grid: The Race to Reimagine Energy with Nan Ransohoff & Duncan Campbell - E140 (00:33:38)
In this episode, we sit down with Nan Ransohoff and Duncan Campbell to discuss the evolving landscape of solar microgrids, AI data centers, and the urgent need for climate-driven innovation. Duncan reflects on how today’s energy solutions are just the beginning, predicting a future where bold, disruptive action reshapes the grid. We dive into: How Stripe and Paces are driving groundbreaking projectsWhy the electricity sector needs faster adaptation to climate challengesThe role of AI and next...
Unlocking Land for Solar with Scott Aaronson - E139 (00:30:52)
In this episode, we sit down with Scott Aaronson, founder and CEO of Demeter Land Development, to explore his unexpected path from criminal defense attorney to renewable energy land origination expert. Scott recounts how his real estate ventures led him to community solar development, shedding light on the evolving challenges of securing land for distributed generation (DG) projects. He discusses the industry's transformation from old-school, door-knocking tactics to a highly strategic, data-...
Powering the Future: Data Centers, AI, and Energy with Peter Hans Hirschboeck - E138 (00:34:20)
In this episode, we sit down with Peter Hans Hirschboeck, founder and managing director of impactECI, to explore the rapidly evolving world of data centers and energy infrastructure. With a background in electrical engineering and years of experience leading energy projects at AWS, Peter shares invaluable insights on how the demand for AI computing power is reshaping the energy landscape. We discuss: The massive growth of data centers and its impact on energy gridsWhy grid bottlenecks and int...
Navigating the Future of Energy Storage with Paul Reed - E137 (00:34:26)
In this episode, Paul Reed, Founder and CEO of RSunrise Energy, joins host James McWalter to discuss his journey in energy storage and the evolving landscape of renewable power. The conversation explores: Paul's background in chemical engineering and his transition into the energy storage sector, spanning nearly 15 years.The early days of demand response, behind-the-meter storage, and the technological advancements shaping grid-scale energy solutions.Challenges and opportunities in deploying ...
Customer-Centric Solar Development with Erica Brinker - E136 (00:38:16)
In this episode, Erica Brinker, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at Chaberton Energy and board member of the Coalition for Community Solar Access, shares her unique career journey and insights into the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers: Erica’s early roles in the fashion and luxury goods industry, followed by her transition to healthcare technology, aerospace, and eventually renewable energy, reflecting her customer-centric approach throughout.Navigating the challeng...
Building Community Solar Success with Sarah Moon - E135 (00:36:08)
Sarah Moon, Co-Founder of FieldWorks Power, shares her career journey and expertise in the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers: Sarah’s path from studying geology to leading renewable energy initiatives at companies like Solstice Power Technologies and DSD Renewables.Strategies for community solar companies to enter and succeed in emerging markets, from policy advocacy to local community engagement.The role of lean teams and entrepreneurial spirit in driving innovation in distrib...
Building a Sustainable Future with Ty Baccile - E134 (00:34:14)
Ty Baccile, Director of Solar Development at New Energy Equity and a Board Member of NYSEA, shares his career journey and insights from the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers: Ty’s career journey from his blue-collar roots in upstate New York to pioneering wind and solar projects.Scaling community solar and driving economic growth through local development.The role of innovation, collaboration, and data in tackling challenges.Navigating evolving policies and development timeline...
Revolutionizing Thermal Energy Storage with Martin Schichtel - E133 (00:34:43)
In this episode, Martin Schichtel, Founder and CEO of Kraftblock, shares his career journey and insights into the thermal energy storage sector. The conversation covers: The pivotal moment in 2008 that sparked the idea for Kraftblock, leading to the development of a superior thermal energy storage material.Discussing the waste heat recovery market and the importance of decarbonizing heat in various industries.Kraftblock's approach to targeting direct industrial customers and collaborati...
Innovations in Floating Solar with Ned Horneffer - E132 (00:37:25)
In this episode, James McWalter interviews Ned Horneffer, Vice President of Development at Third Pillar Solar, to explore the exciting advancements and challenges in the floating solar industry. The conversation covers: Ned’s path in clean energy from venture capital to battery energy storage, culminating in his current role at Third Pillar Solar, where he leads innovative solar initiatives.The growth of the U.S. floating solar market and the benefits of utilizing underused water spaces, with...
Driving Innovation in Renewable Energy: Insights from Paces' Solutions Engineers - E131 (00:28:21)
In this episode, James McWalter interviews Paces's very own Solution Engineers, Gabby Stein and Tony Wagler, to discuss the latest developments in the renewable energy industry and their roles at Paces. The conversation covers: Gabby's and Tony's career paths before joining Paces, including their experiences in solar and battery storage development.The unique challenges they faced in their previous roles like navigating permitting and interconnection processes.Their motivations for joining Pa...
Mastering Land Acquisition for Renewable Energy: Insights from Land Acquisition LLC - E130 (00:29:56)
Welcome to this episode of the Clean Energy Chronicles! Today, we have Dillan Wilson and Mitch May, co-founders of Land Acquisition LLC, sharing their journey in the renewable energy and land acquisition space. Starting with Mitch’s early career in construction and solar, and Dillan’s background in real estate and environmental compliance, they’ve come together to form a dynamic partnership. In this episode, we cover: Mitch and Dillan's backgrounds and how they came to start Land Acquisition ...
Journey in Renewable Energy with Riean Norman - E129 (00:30:51)
In this episode, Riean Norman, Senior Director at Crow Holdings, shares his journey and insights into the renewable energy sector. The conversation covers: Riean's career path, starting as a land representative at Chevron and transitioning into renewable energy development at NextEra.His shift from subsurface oil and gas development to surface-based renewable projects.Navigating skepticism towards renewables in traditional oil and gas regions and balancing individual landowner rights with com...
Paces What A Year! - E128 (00:06:28)
In this relaunch episode, James McWalter interviews Charles Bai, CTO & Co-Founder of Paces, to explore what’s changed over the past year in both the energy industry and at Paces. The conversation covers: Continued growth in renewable energy projects.New advancements in solar, EV charging infrastructure, and battery storage.Increasing competition for prime sites among developers.Rising competition between data centers and advanced manufacturing for the same sites.AI’s rapid rise driving de...
Software Engineering at Paces - E127 (00:36:11)
Wonderful to speak to Lena and Kevin, the first two software engineers at Paces! We discussed: Their path to joining PacesWhat drove you towards climate change as an issue?How much of your company culture is a function of company size?Defining engineering cultureThe importance of engineers having a direct relationship with customers.We even iterated on how engineering at Paces can be improved on the call! Paces helps developers find and evaluate the sites most suitable for renewable develop...
